JESUS

The Rich Man (Part 1)

Orlan, upon hearing that Jesus is walking by his neighborhood with His disciples, left the financial recording of his finances and went outside to ask for more information from the group of ladies that released the information into the atmosphere. "Where is He?" Orlan closed the door and shut it with his key.

The young women in the city were love with Orlan, he is handsome and very rich, any woman sees it as an opportunity to spend the rest of their life with him, but currently, Orlan doesn't want to settle with any lady. It is not only his affluence and charming looks that attract the crowd but his character. He loves God and obeys His law. 

One of the women bowed her head in respect. "Mr. Orlan, the Master is at the city gate coming into the city."

Orlan's eyelid moved higher from his eye. "Are you sure!" 

The three ladies said all in unison. "Yes! He is coming with......"

"Thank you!" Orlan did not allow them to finish giving him more information, all he wanted is an opportunity with the Master. He has been hearing of good things about this man, who people called the Messiah, the One that God will send to save His people from oppression from the Romans, as the Prophets prophesied. This Man was sent from God, and he has to ask a question that has been bothering him for years, right from his childhood. 

Orlan made a sharp turn, almost knocking down an old man that was pushing a wheelbarrow full of corn "Sorry!" He continued running, not looking back to see if the man was okay.

He stopped running to catch his breath. He looked further and saw Jesus and the crowd following Him into the city. Orlan screamed on top of his lungs. "Jesus!" He continued running, and when he got to a foot away, Orlan got on his knees. "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" This was his request. He wants to meet God. He wants to get all of Heaven's riches to himself and knows that Jesus knows the way there because He came from there.

 Jesus said, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is God." He looked at young man with compassion and then answered his question. "If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."

Orlan stood up on his feet and grew uneasy, his question was not answered the way he expected. He wanted to know to something that he didn't already know. "Which ones?" He asked.

Jesus replied, "You shall not murder, commit adultery, steal, bear false witness, honor your father and mother, love your neighbor as yourself." He stopped speaking and looked at his disciples to find out if they noticed anything missing from his word. But they stared back clueless.

"All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack." 

Jesus knew that this young man lacks a vital reality in the kingdom of God and that without this there is no way he can see God. This young man did not realize that Jesus did not complete the ten commandments, he left out the first five that dealt with a relationship with God. 

"If you want to be perfect, go and sell what you have and give the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; come, follow me."

                                                                                                       ______

Wow! If you want to read the whole story, read Matthew 19:16-29. We are actually going to dwell in those other verses in the next few chapters. 

In the last chapter, we read about The Perishable Fantasy. This young rich man had a burden in his heart to have a close relationship with God. If He didn't want a relationship with the Maker of the world, he would have stayed home and continued counting His daily earnings, but Jesus knew that in order for this young man to get to know and receive Eternal Life which is  JESUS HIMSELF (John 3:16). He would have to let go of The Perishable Fantasy and follow Eternal Life, Himself.  In the next chapter, we will read about the reply to this rich man. Did He really go back home and sold everything and follow Jesus? We will find out shortly.

I want you as a Reader, to follow this wonderful series because you will get to know Jesus more and understand the mysteries that the Holy Spirit will enlighten in your Heart. Are you ready to continue this ADVENTURE?